'Digital arrest': How cyber crooks use fear to loot victims

Initial Contact: Scammers first send an SMS, email, or a WhatsApp text. The message states that the recipient's name or phone number is linked to criminal acts like pornography, drug peddling or money laundering . They are instructed to call a specific number to avoid ' digital arrest '.

Impersonation via video calls: Once the victim responds, scammers initiate a video call over platforms like Skype or WhatsApp, posing as officials from agencies like Maharashtra police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), or Customs. Scammers use appropriate uniforms, background props like govt flags, logos, or VHF radio sounds to make the video call look legitimate.

False accusations: During the call, scammers accuse the victim of serious crimes such as money laundering, involvement in illegal drug distribution, or receiving contraband goods. Sometimes, fraudsters posing as cops claim that a family member is under arrest or has been implicated.

Continuous surveillance and intimidation: Scammers maintain a constant presence on the call, demanding the victim stays on video as a form of 'monitoring' or 'verification'. The modus operandi is to keep the victim in a heightened state of fear and pressure, restricting them from consulting with others or thinking clearly.

Extortion for resolution: Once the victim is sufficiently intimidated, the scammers demand money to 'clear' the charges. Cyber fraudsters instruct the victim to transfer large sums of money to accounts provided by them, which are generally mule accounts.

Be Skeptical: Legitimate govt agencies will not conduct investigations or arrests via video call.

Safeguard personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive data that can be exploited.

Never transfer money: Law enforcement agencies do not demand payments for case dismissal.

Report suspicious calls: Immediately report any suspicious interaction to local police or use cybercrime helplines like 1930 or report the matter at cybercrime.gov.in.

Gather evidence: People who receive these calls should record or take screenshots of suspicious conversations as potential evidence.

Retired consultant loses Rs 2 crore: Hyderabad resident AV Mohan Rao, a 79-year-old retired consultant, lost Rs 2 crore to scammers posing as officers from Mumbai Police. The criminals presented him with a fabricated digital arrest warrant bearing seals supposedly from the Supreme Court and other govt agencies. They claimed his Aadhaar details and phone number were linked to money laundering and illegal activities. Under pressure, Rao provided his bank details and was coerced into transferring Rs 2 crore in three separate transactions.

Old woman defrauded of Rs 5.9 crore: An 85-year-old woman from Hyderabad was duped by criminals and forced into transferring Rs 5.9 crore after scammers posed as cybercrime officials from Mumbai. They alleged that her Aadhaar details were linked to high-profile money laundering cases involving public figures. They pressured her to transfer funds, convincing her that failure to comply would result in her digital arrest.